Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic

Last updated : 19 April 2004 By Kevin Smith
It returns. The destination of the SPL title for a year at least, is Celtic Park, thanks to a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, at Rugby Park yesterday. Stan Petrov netted the only goal of the game in the first half.

It turned out to be a day of emotional jubilation in the Celtic ends of the ground, the celebrations also extended to the Kilmarnock supporters' areas of the ground, where several thousand Celtic fans were seated. It was dissaponting that some hundred or so Bhoys were knocked back from the stadium as the ground was "too full." Stories of forgeries and fake tickets circulated, this is out of order.

On the field, there was a delay in kick-off due to an injury sustained by one of the match officials. Chants of "We're only here for the party" were made by the Celtic fans, nothing was going to stop us.

Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson never made the game, Paul Lambert and Johan Mjallby started the game. Rab Douglas played in goals for the first time since Barcelona at Parkhead, Jackie McNamara played as an attacking midfielder.

Killie started the game on the offensive, Kris Boyd had the ball in the net for the home side, but referee Mike McCurry rightly chopped it off for a foul on Bobo Balde by another player.

Stan Varga hould have scored for Celtic, Petrov and Pearson also came close for The Bhoys.

But it was Stan Petrov who got the goal. Stan the Man linked onto Henrik Larsson's pass to dink the ball past Colin Meldrum in the Killie goal.

A Celtic supporter sitting in the home end who showed his delight at Petrov's goal, was thrown out of the stadium. Fair enough, but why was there no action taken to those who threw various missiles and random punches at the guy? Double standards by the Ayshire Police.

A couple of Killie pies were the order of the day at half time, Celtic's second half performance was a stroll in the park.

Jackie McNamara almost capped a great performance with a goal, but was judged to have been in an offside position.

Celts never managed to get the second but Liam Miller - a substitute for Didier Agathe - came close with a long range drive. Miller almost cost a goal as well, as his slack backpass was caught onto by Boyd. It is little wonder Miller's concentration is slightly off, when there are still several morons in the Celtic support who continue to boo him.

But it wasn't to be Killie's day, and the three points - and the title - go to Paradise. The players emerged after the final whistle, amid scenes of celebration from the Celtic fans. Fair play to the Kilmarnock DJ, who played 'Roll With It' and 'Beautiful Day' to get the party started.

We salute Martin O'Neill and The Bhoys, for the third title in four seasons. We have won the league by a mile this season, long may our dominance continue.

Celtic:
Douglas - 8
Balde - 8
Varga - 9
Mjallby - 8
McNamara - 9
Pearson - 7
Lambert - 7
Lennon - 9
Petrov - 9
Agathe - 7 (Miller - 7)
Larsson - 8

Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Jackie McNamara

Celtic-Mad Moment to Remember: Roll With It - partying in the sunshine.

Celtic-Mad Moment to Forget: Nothing could spoil our day!